Dominique Malonga Proves Paige Bueckers Isn't the Only WNBA Rookie to Watch in 2025

At 19 years old, Dominique Malonga is turning heads and inserting herself into the WNBA Rookie of the Year conversation.

Apr 14, 2025; New York, New York, USA; Dominique Malonga poses with WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert after being selected with the number two overall pick to the Seattle Storm in the 2025 WNBA Draft at The Shed at Hudson Yards. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images | Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

While Dominique Malonga seems to have come out of nowhere, she actually came out of Lyon, France, where she played with ASVEL from the time she was 16 years old. Now at 19, Malonga has stepped into the WNBA scene, being drafted by the Seattle Storm with the No. 2 overall pick in April.

She dunked at 16. Still dominating at 19. 💪

Dominique Malonga was the youngest player on France’s 2024 Olympic team that won silver in Paris. She’s played professionally with Lyon ASVEL in France’s top league and continues to rise as one of Europe’s most exciting young… pic.twitter.com/DJi4IhYyuH

— WNBA (@WNBA) April 11, 2025

Much of the hype around the 2025 WNBA draft class has been centered around incoming rookie Paige Bueckers — and for good reason. Malonga, however, has crept into Rookie of the Year conversations due to her obvious talent.

Malonga has already built an impressive resume. A silver medalist with France’s national team at the 2024 Paris Olympics, she was the youngest player on the roster but still managed to hold her own against the world’s best, turning heads while defending Team USA star A’ja Wilson. This would be a challenge for any seasoned player in their prime, never mind a teenager.

Dominique Malonga v A'ja Wilson will be a fun matchup pic.twitter.com/1lH5z1i2E0

— Shabazz 💫 (@ShowCaseShabazz) April 21, 2025

And Malonga can dunk, an attribute which her new team, the Storm, are not hiding.  At 6'6" with a 7'1" wingspan and massive hands, Malonga’s physical gifts are undeniable. She dunked at age 16 and is already making NBA-range pull-up threes look effortless.

Recently spotted working out in New York City, Malonga wowed NBA analyst Jonathan Givony, who said he was “Blown away by how talented she is.”

Went to watch Dominique Malonga -- the No. 2 pick in the WNBA Draft -- work out in NYC. Blown away by how talented she is. 6'6, 7'1 wingspan, huge hands. Dunks with ease. Makes NBA-range pullup 3s effortlessly. Only 19 years old. The Seattle Storm got a good one. pic.twitter.com/boLNV49uQ1

— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) April 15, 2025

In France's top league with Lyon ASVEL, Malonga averaged 15 points, 10 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.4 blocks, and 1.2 steals per game this past season. That level of all-around dominance at her age is rare, even among international stars. These types of stats possibly prompted 60% of WNBA GMs to predict Malonga as the rookie that will “be the best player in 5 years” in the 2025 WNBA General Managers Survey released Thursday, with Bueckers receiving the remaining 40% of the votes.

As the WNBA season tips off Friday, it’s clear Malonga will be one of the most exciting rookies to watch. While Bueckers’ talent is already well known among U.S. hoops fans, Seattle’s towering new frontcourt force is rapidly gaining ground in the Rookie of the Year conversation.